The Ottawa free trader., 1887-10-15

ture the gentleman you speak OF; while,
on the other hand, it may relieve your
father OF suspicion. VIII you give to
Col. Hamilton, my secretary, full de-
scription of them-that fuller description
which Capt. Brewster, for reasons best
known to yourself, was unable to give'"
Mistress Thankful hesitated for mo-
ment, and then, with one of her truthful
glances at the commander-in.chief,b began
detailed account Of the outward SEM
blance of the count. Why she began with
him am unable to say but possibly 1t
was because It was easier, for when she
came to describe the baron she was, re.
gret to say, somewhat vague and figura-
tive. Not 80 vague, however, but that
Col. Hamilton suddenly started up with a
look at his chief, who instantly checked 1t
with gesture of his rutiied hand
81 thank You, Mistress Thankful" he
said quite impassively, "but did this other
gentleman, this baron''-
"Pomposo," said Thankful proudly. A
litter originated in the group Of ladies by
the window, and became visible on the
fresh face Of Col Hamilton; but the dig
nified color Of Washington's countenancs
was unmovel.
"May ask II the baron made an hon
orable tender Of his affections to you," he
continued, with respectful gravity; 'if
his attentions were known to your father,
and were such as honest Mistress Blossom
could receiver"
Father introduced him to mo and
wanted me to DO kind TO him. He--ho
kissed mo and l slapped his face" said
ul,n nl-f,,l r,,ick1y xvith chaaEc
warrant, as the baron's might have been.
The moment tho words had escaped her
truthful lips she would have given her
life to recall them. To her astonishment,
however, Col. Hamilton laughed outright
and the ladies turned and approached her,
but were checked by q slight gesture from
tho otherwise impassive figure Of the gen.
eral
ut is possible, Mistress Thankful" he
resumed with undisturbed composure,
''that ono at least of these gentlemen may
be known to us and that your instincts
may be correct. At least rest assured
that we shall fully inquire into 1t and that
your father shall have the benefit Of that
inquiry"
81 thank your excellency," said Thank
full, still reddening under the contempla-
tion OF her own late frankness and retreat
ing toward the door. "I--think-I-must
-go-now. 1t Is late, and l have far to
ride"
To her surprise, however, Washington
stepped forward, and, again taking her
hands In his, said with q grave smile,
"For that very reason, If for no other, you
must be our guest tonight, Mistress
Thankful Blossom. We still retain our
Virginian ideas Of hospitality, and are
tyrannous enough to make strangers con-
form to them, even though we have but
perchance the poorest OF entertainment to
offer them Lady Washington will not
permit Mistress Thankful Blossom to
leave her roof tonight until she has par
taken of her courtesy as well rs her coun-
sell"
"Mistress Thankful Blossom will make
us believe that she has ut least in so far
trusted our desire TO serve her Justly by
accepting our poor hospitality for single
night" said Lady Washington with a
stately courtesy.
Thankful Blossom still stood irresolute-
ly at the door. But the next moment a
pair of youthful arms encircled her; and
the younger gentlewoman, looking into her
brown eyes with an honest trankness
equal to her own, said caressingly, Dear
Mistress Thankful, though l am but a
guest in her ladyship's house, let me, I
pray you, add my voice to hers. I am
Mistress Schuyler, of Albany, at your
service, Mistress Thankful, as Col Ham
ilton here will bear me witness, did need
any interpreter to your honest heart. Be
heve me, dear Mistress Thankful, l sym
pathize with you, and only beg you to
give me an opportunity tonight to serve
you. You will stay, know, and you will
stay with me; and we shall talk over the
faithlessness Of that over jealous Yankee
captain who has proved himself, doubt
not, as unworthy Of you rs he Is of his
country"